Dell XPS 15 9520 Upgrade Guide: RAM and SSD Options

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

RAM: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB

The XPS 15 9520 has two user-replaceable SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory. Dell lists DDR5 at 4800 MT/s as the only supported speed, with module sizes of 8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB. The maximum is 32 GB per module and 64 GB in total.

Dell's supported configurations are 8 GB (one 8 GB module, single-channel), 16 GB (2 x 8 GB), 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) and 64 GB (2 x 32 GB). The two-module setups run dual-channel. A single module runs single-channel, which means lower memory bandwidth, so fill both slots with a matched pair where you can.

This laptop takes DDR5 only, so DDR4 modules from an older machine won't work. Dell's documents don't mention ECC or registered memory. Standard unbuffered, non-ECC SO-DIMMs are the safe choice, but that is our best reading rather than something Dell confirms.

Dell's service manual says the base cover has to come off first. Each module also has a DDR jacket, a cover that slides off and back on when you fit a module.

Buying tips

• Buy DDR5 SO-DIMMs only; DDR4 won't fit or work.
• Buy a matched pair (2 x 16 GB or 2 x 32 GB) for dual-channel.
• Don't plan on more than 64 GB; that is Dell's stated maximum.
• Choose standard non-ECC, unbuffered modules rated for 4800 MT/s.

Storage: two M.2 NVMe slots

Dell lists two M.2 slots that take 2230 or 2280 solid-state drives. Only PCIe NVMe drives are listed, Gen3 x4 or Gen4 x4. No SATA M.2 drives are listed, so stick to NVMe. There are no 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch bays, so M.2 is the only internal storage.

For 2230 drives Dell lists up to 256 GB, which is its factory-option limit rather than necessarily a physical one. For 2280 drives it lists up to 4 TB (Gen4). Dell's factory options are 256 GB on a short 2230 drive, then 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB on 2280 drives. If your laptop came with the entry-level 256 GB drive, it may be a short 2230, and you would likely swap in a 2280 drive for more space.

Dell's wording is inconsistent: some text says one M.2 2230/2280 drive and other text says up to two. This appears to reflect configurations that ship with one or two drives, and the ports table lists two slots. We couldn't find details on heatshields or thermal pads, so check Dell's service manual before removing a drive.

The full-size SD card reader (SD, SDHC and SDXC) is handy for extra space, but it is not an internal drive.

Buying tips

• Buy an NVMe M.2 SSD, not a SATA M.2 drive.
• Check the length: 2280 for large capacities, 2230 only if you want to match a small factory drive.
• A Gen4 x4 NVMe drive is the type Dell lists for the larger capacities.
• Keep the old drive until you have confirmed the new setup works.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your files, or clone your drive if you are replacing it.
• Download the service manual for the XPS 15 9520 from Dell and keep it open for exact disassembly steps.
• Check that the replacement parts match the specs above: DDR5 SO-DIMMs and NVMe M.2 drives.
• Work on a clean, flat surface with a small screwdriver set, and have a way to ground yourself.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage. This matters most if you are replacing the SSD.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the laptop down fully, disconnect the charger and any cables or accessories, and close the lid.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch bare metal or use an anti-static strap before handling internal parts. Dell's manual says to hold memory modules by the edges because of static risk.
4. Open the case
   Remove the base cover by following Dell's service manual. You need the cover off to reach the memory, and the manual is the place to find the exact screws and release method.
5. Install the RAM
   Each module has a DDR jacket that slides off and back on. Follow the manual's memory section to swap or add modules, and use a matched pair in both slots for dual-channel.
6. Install the SSD
   For a storage upgrade, follow Dell's service manual to remove or add an M.2 drive. We couldn't confirm Dell's drive-installation steps or any heatshield or thermal-pad details, so rely on the manual for these.
7. Close the case
   Refit the base cover and screws as the manual shows, then reconnect power.
8. Check that the laptop sees the new parts
   Start the laptop and open the BIOS setup screen to confirm the new memory size and drive show up. If a part is missing, power down, unplug and reseat it. If you fitted a blank SSD, you will need to install an operating system on it or restore your clone.

Good to know

• Dell's documents don't mention ECC or registered memory; non-ECC unbuffered SO-DIMMs are the safe assumption but this isn't confirmed.
• No SATA M.2 support is listed. We take that to mean it isn't supported, so check Dell's current pages before buying parts.
• The 256 GB limit on 2230 drives is Dell's factory-option limit and may not be a physical one.
• Dell's documents vary on whether the laptop has one or two M.2 drives; the ports table lists two slots.
• We couldn't find Dell's drive-installation steps or any heatshield or thermal-pad details, so check the service manual before opening the laptop.
• We found nothing saying memory or storage layout differs between battery or screen variants of this model.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell XPS 15 9520 take?

Up to 64 GB, as two 32 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs. Dell's listed configurations are 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB.

Is the RAM in the XPS 15 9520 soldered?

No. Dell lists two SO-DIMM slots and no onboard memory, so the RAM is user-replaceable.

Can I use DDR4 memory in the XPS 15 9520?

No. The laptop uses DDR5 only, so DDR4 modules from an older laptop won't work.

Does the XPS 15 9520 have two SSD slots?

Yes, two M.2 slots for 2230 or 2280 NVMe drives. Dell's wording varies between one drive and up to two, because some configurations ship with one drive and some with two.

What is the biggest SSD I can install?

Dell lists up to 4 TB for 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe drives. The 2230 size is listed up to 256 GB, which is Dell's factory-option limit.

Can I upgrade the processor in the XPS 15 9520?

Dell's documents list no processor upgrade for this laptop, so plan on RAM and storage as your upgrade options.

Official documents and references

• PDF Dell XPS 15 9520 Service Manual (PDF)
  Base cover removal and exact disassembly steps
• Dell XPS 15 9520 Service Manual: Memory
  How to fit memory modules and the DDR jacket
• PDF Dell XPS 15 9520 Setup and Specifications (PDF)
  Full official spec list
• Dell XPS 15 9520 Specifications: Memory
  Supported RAM sizes, speed and configurations
• Dell XPS 15 9520 Specifications: Storage
  M.2 sizes, interfaces and capacity limits
• Dell XPS 15 9520 product page
  Factory memory and storage options